The Gambian parliament has passed a controversial law that punishes individuals found guilty of insulting state officials.

The legislation, introduced as part of Section 107 of the new Criminal Offences Act 2025, provides legal protection to the president, vice president, national assembly members, and other state officials.

Under the new law, offenders face up to six months in prison and fines ranging from D10,000 to D50,000.

The law states:

“A person who directs parental insults at the President, Vice President, a Minister, a Member of the National Assembly, a civil servant, or any other public officer in the exercise of their function shall be liable, upon summary conviction, to a fine of not less than D10,000 and not more than D50,000, or a term of imprisonment of not less than one month and not more than six months, or both a fine and imprisonment.”

However, many Gambians have voiced concerns, describing the law as “bad and worrisome”, arguing that it is aimed at suppressing dissenting views. Some have also questioned what legally constitutes an insult.

Omar Camara criticised the legislation, calling it “dangerous” and stating: when lawmakers focus on making laws that only protect and serve their interests, we have a problem. There are urgent and much-needed legal reforms, but it’s always about your well-being. My worry is, who determines what an insult is under this law?”

Bakary Bah, while opposing insults in general, questioned the law’s fairness: “This law is designed to protect a few. What if someone covered by this law insults others? How would they be held accountable?”

Siaka Sonko raised concerns about the law’s implementation, adding: “my concern is the broader impact of this law, both negative and positive. How will the state enforce it fairly?”

However, not all reactions have been critical. Adama M. Jallow welcomed the new legislation, arguing: “this is a good law. Insults should never be tolerated. In fact, I believe offenders should face a mandatory six-month jail sentence without the option of a fine.”

By Adama Makasuba